What You Need to Know About No Code App Development Platforms
by Lilly Thuma | Last Updated: Aug 23, 2020
If you are someone who is always up for a challenge, willing to try new things, and loves crazy ideas then this blog post is for you. Today we are going to talk about how you can build an app for your brand, all on your own. Yes, you read that right. No more coding, no more asking IT to build things for you, and no more waiting around. With the help of no code app development platforms, anyone can build an app in a matter or hours of days. Here is everything you need to know about no code app development platforms.
Take the Development Out of App Development
To start, let's clarify that even though it is called an “app development platform” doesn’t mean you are actually writing code. Developing can be a pretty intimidating word as it’s usually associated with the job description of a software developer or engineer. But I am here to reassure you that using a no code platform is not the same kind of development as coding an app. In fact, the only similarity is you have a fully functioning app at the end, but the ways in which you get there are very different. Instead of coding you build the app from a visual standpoint. For example, Lumavate’s Progressive Web App (PWA) platform enables users to drag and drop different visual elements onto an app page and easily connect data to the app as well. This is often referred to as what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) app builder. Meaning you can see all the changes you are making in real time. This makes the development process much easier and faster.
Build Any App Your Way
Contrary to popular belief, there are multiple different types of apps out there. There are native mobile apps, web apps, and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). These are all slightly different from each other and all have different use cases. But the good news is you can build any of these apps with no code, you just have to use the right platform.
Native Mobile App
A native mobile app is probably the app you are most familiar with. If you have an iPhone you have been using native apps for years. These are the apps you download from the app store. These apps have rich functionality like the use of your phone’s camera, can send push notifications, and use geolocation. Native mobile apps had high engagement rates when the app store was first launched, but the download and long-term engagement rates have significantly decreased in recent years. In 2019, two-thirds of smartphone users weren’t downloading any new apps in a month. Also, almost all of the top 25 apps are from huge companies like Google or Facebook which makes it extremely challenging for new apps to break into this market. Needless to say, native mobile apps are not the way of the future.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)PWAs on the other hand are a newer technology so most people aren’t as familiar with them. However, PWAs are really an evolution of web apps. They work similar to a web app or website, but have similar functionality as a native mobile app. Think of PWAs as the best of both worlds. This means they can work faster and take up less space on a user's phone. PWAs are great because they can also work in low connectivity and have some offline capabilities. One of the main technical components of PWAs, service workers, allow the app to cache and store data while the app is being used so the app is ready to go when your service is spotty. While PWAs are still building their presence in the app market, major brands have already started to take advantage of them and have seen great results. Both Starbucks and Pinterest have adopted PWAs.
Become a Citizen Developer
Finally, the use of a no code app development platform can turn you into a citizen developer. I know you’re probably thinking “me, a developer?”, but it’s true! A citizen developer is anyone who can use a no code or low code platform to build an app. So while you aren’t technically developing, you are still building an app without having to submit a request to IT. Everyday we are seeing more and more marketers, employees, customers etc. emerge into the role of citizen developers.
There is clearly a lot that a no code app development platform can do for you and your business. So, if you have been wanting to build a mobile app and don’t know how, here is your answer. Don’t wait and start looking into different no code mobile app platforms and PWA platforms now!
Meet with one of our experts to see how easy it is to centralize your product data, manage digital assets, and create digital product experiences. Trust us…you’re going to be wowed.
